Career Colleges and Vocational Schools in Netherlands

Vocational education in the Netherlands is called MBO (middelbaar beroepsonderwijs, secondary vocational education). It is governed by the Adult and Vocational Education Act (WEB), in force since 1 January 1996, and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science sets its statutory requirements. MBO prepares students for a specific occupation and is closely linked to the labour market: SBB, the Foundation for Cooperation on Vocational Education, Training and the Labour Market, accredits the companies that offer work placements and apprenticeships and develops the national qualification structure.

Alongside the public MBO system, private schools offer short professional courses. The vocational school currently listed on this page is one of them: ITM Thai Hand Amsterdam, a school of traditional Thai massage (Nuad Thai) that teaches its courses in English, from a Nuad Thai Massage Program and an advanced programme to teacher training.

How MBO works

MBO courses lead to a qualification at one of four levels:

• Level 1: assistant level
• Level 2: basic vocational training
• Level 3: professional training
• Level 4: middle-management or specialist training

Students choose between two learning pathways. School-based vocational training (BOL), full-time or part-time, combines classes with work placements. In the block or day-release pathway (BBL), practical training at a company takes up 60% or more of the course, so students work and study at the same time.

For students with a level 4 diploma, one next step is the two-year Associate degree at a university of applied sciences. Its level lies between MBO level 4 and a bachelor's degree, and according to Eurydice it is aimed especially at MBO level 4 students and people with several years of work experience.

Admission

According to the Dutch government, a student is in principle admitted to an MBO course if they meet the course's prior-education requirements, register by 1 April and take part in any compulsory intake activities, such as an interview or a trial lesson. Students who register by 1 April are also entitled to study-choice advice from the school. A school may still refuse a student, for example when there are more applicants than places, and some courses set extra requirements, such as physical requirements for sports courses; schools announce these by 1 February. At enrolment the school asks for a copy of the previous diploma.

A foreign diploma can be compared with Dutch qualifications: SBB's Credential Evaluation and Educational Comparison Department is the centre of expertise for foreign and Dutch VET diplomas. Most information about MBO, from the government and from KiesMBO.nl, SBB's site for prospective students, is in Dutch, so international students should check the language of instruction with the school before applying.

Costs

MBO students who are 18 or older on 1 August 2026 and follow a full-time BOL course pay tuition (lesgeld) to DUO, the government's education agency. For the 2026-27 school year it is €1,511, payable at once or in nine instalments of €167.89. Students enrolled on 1 October 2026 pay for the whole school year. Private schools outside the MBO system set their own prices, which they publish per course.

How to choose a vocational course

• Qualification: an MBO diploma belongs to the national qualification structure; a private course leads to the school's own certificate
• Level: from level 1 (assistant) to level 4 (middle management or specialist), depending on prior education
• Pathway: school-based BOL, or work-based BBL with an apprenticeship at a company accredited by SBB
• Language: most MBO courses and information are in Dutch; check whether a course is taught in English
• Deadline: register by 1 April to keep the right to admission

Frequently asked questions

What is MBO in the Netherlands?

MBO is Dutch secondary vocational education. It trains students for an occupation at four levels, from assistant (level 1) to middle-management or specialist (level 4), through school-based (BOL) or work-based (BBL) pathways.

How much does vocational education cost in the Netherlands?

Full-time MBO students aged 18 or over pay tuition of €1,511 for the 2026-27 school year, according to DUO. Private schools set their own course prices.

When do I have to apply for an MBO course?

Register by 1 April. Students who register on time have a right to admission if they meet the requirements and take part in the intake, and are entitled to study-choice advice.

Can I take a vocational course in English in the Netherlands?

Some private schools teach in English, such as ITM Thai Hand Amsterdam for Thai massage. Most MBO courses are in Dutch, so ask the school about the language of instruction.